The Pittsburgh Steelers have some questions along their front defensive line heading into the 2013 season. Last season, the Pittsburgh Steelers waited till July when they decided to bring back Max Starks, who wasn’t activated till mid August to give him time to heal and be NFL ready. In 2011, Starks wasn’t re-signed till October.
This season should be no different for Casey Hampton. 10-year veterans who have memorized Dick Lebeau’s playbook by this point don’t need training camp. Hampton knows his role and what it entails: “Stop the run, kill the quarterback.” Hampton is an absolute beast, and has been the epitome of a true run hog; clogging up holes for opposing running backs. “Big Snack” is still unsigned, and would love to finish his career wearing the Black and Gold.
Current Steeler starting nose tackle, Steve McLendon, appears to be ready to start. With a new contract, he has time to acclimate to be the man in the middle. However, Mclendon is close to Hampton and has been talking with him the last few weeks about coming back.
Ziggy Hood, as I’ve said before, has been an absolute bust to this point and is in the final year of his contract. In my opinion, I don’t think Hood should be handed this position to start the season. Cameron Heyward isn’t exactly pushing to start anytime soon. Bringing Hampton back would go a long way in solidifying the front line for the Steelers.
The Pittsburgh Steelers currently speaking really only have one player that is a true nose tackle on their roster: second-year player Alameda Ta’amu. The other defensive tackles have a combined six years of NFL experience. The Steelers at this point have to realize something needs to change along the front line.
This is not a question of whether or not Hampton wants to come back. We know Hampton wants to come back and finish his outstanding career in the city of champions. Hampton, like Starks in recent years, is patiently waiting for the phone call to wear the one uniform he has worn his entire professional career.
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